First Menstrual Bleeding in Teenage Girls
Every woman probably experiences these feelings at some point – some months eagerly awaited, others bitterly cursed. Many women hesitate to talk about it, even as adults. Trying to live in secret. The menstrual period is still a taboo subject. Many women even don't tell their co-workers "I have period pains!".
Before the first menstruation - what should mothers do?
Try to teach your daughter to be very comfortable with this from her first period. Above all, she should see it as something positive, not as a "disease" that causes bleeding between her legs. You can show your daughter how special the first period is with the following information: The onset of menstruation is a sign that your daughter is now developing from a child to a woman. Along with the menstrual period, the body shows that it has the ability to one day give birth to a child.
The menstrual period may be unusual at first, but it is not life-limiting in any way (except in the case of excessive menstrual pain). In some countries, even a small festival is held in the first period. For example, some parents in the US plan period parties for their daughters.
How Should I Tell My Daughter She's Getting Her Period?
Talk about your period. With the first bleeding, new questions arise and each one wants to be answered. While teens often know a lot about the physical process and sexuality, you shouldn't rely on others to explain everything your daughter needs to know. It's up to you to convey everything that matters to her and dispel her fears. In general, you can explain bodily functions to her from an early age.
Of course, not every girl tries to talk to her mom or dad when she gets her first period. Some feel embarrassed at first or even react defensively to their bleeding. If the mother-daughter relationship is a little strained during the first period—which is very common during adolescence—and there isn't a comfortable environment to talk about menstruation, perhaps a well-to-do aunt or friend may be there. You can seek help from your friends or another trusted person who can assist you. Under no circumstances should you force such a conversation on your daughter.
The important thing here is to inform young girls sufficiently and accurately before the menstrual period.
Helpful Advice for Mothers with Daughter's First Menstruation
What your daughter should know about menstruation? The following topics are important in a parent-daughter conversation about menstruation:
What happens when you have your first period?
The menstrual period is ultimately only one part of the female cycle. Explain to your daughter what goes on in a woman's body each month and why this cycle ends with menstruation. Since the body and hormone balance must first be balanced, the menstrual period may seem very irregular at first.
Which menstrual hygiene products should be used in the first menstrual period?
Pads, tampons, etc. talk about them. Show how they are used. There may be some inexperience and unwanted accidents at first, but with good preparation, you can reduce them to a minimum. Reusable pet and menstrual underwear is an alternative that can be preferred since they do not create unnecessary waste for nature.
But do not forget that you need to wash them again and make them hygienic. It may not be suitable for everyone. Also important is that you teach your daughter to keep a calendar. If she notes on the menstrual calendar which day she has menstrual bleeding each month, she knows which day he will be prepared for the next month and will need it for pregnancy follow-up later.
What are the consequences of menstrual bleeding?
Talking about menstruation also means talking about sex. Talk to your daughter about her ability to become pregnant now. But beware, precision is needed here: Don't panic. Some girls get their period very early these days: eleven years old or younger. At that age, they are still far from feeling like women. Here you need to correctly assess the situation. Explaining sexuality to an 11-year-old girl and a 14-15-year-old girl requires different methods. It would be best to give this information step by step for those who have menstruation at a young age and show how to deal with monthly menstrual bleeding in the first place.
Our experience
My daughter is at an age when girlfriends start menstruating. The subject in itself is nothing new, they also covered it in the biology class at school. But when we talked and gave some practical information, I realized that just knowledge in school or someone else's experience is not enough.
Experiencing the situation with someone else and living it yourself are, of course, completely different matters. That's why we got together just last year, studied various hygiene items together, and tried to find what she could feel most comfortable with. I showed her how to use it and we packed two pads, cleaning wipes, and underwear in a tiny makeup bag.
Thus, she feels safer with this bag that can be with her at school at any time, and it is comforting to know that she will not be caught unprepared. We also talked about pre-existing symptoms such as abdominal pain. It is especially important to me that she knows that she can come to me later with any questions. And she knows that, if my mom can't answer a question, she's sure to find someone who can help me.
What worries and fears does your daughter have?
Some girls are afraid that others will notice that they have their period or that they will have to quit the sport. She may also be worried about the amount of blood she loses during her period, which may seem like too much. Take these fears away from your daughter and show that she can talk openly about all her concerns.
How does the first period feel?
Many women experience abdominal pain during their menstrual periods. However, if your daughter complains of very severe pain, you should consult a gynecologist. However, it is equally normal to not have any pain during your menstrual period. In any case, give your daughter the feeling that she is completely normal and help her develop a healthy body awareness.
Have your first period with ease
Some people can't wait for their first period, while others are afraid. But there really is no reason for fear, shame, or disgust. Because menstrual bleeding is a completely natural thing. It is a sign that a girl is now fertile and could theoretically have children. Thus, the first period marks the final stage of puberty after pubic hair and breasts enlarge. Today, the first menstrual period usually occurs between the ages of 10 and 16 – on average, exactly 12.5 years old. Sometimes it can take a little longer for the first period to start.
Still, there is no reason for stress. Because in the vast majority of cases, there is no serious reason behind such delays. However, in order to calm down, it is recommended to go to the family doctor or even better, a gynecologist from the end of the 16th year of life. Teach to listen to your own body There are typical signals that the first period will begin soon. A light color or transparent discharge is the first sign of the gradual development of the body from a girl to a young woman. As long as it doesn't smell, burn or itch, it has nothing to do with the disease. This is just a sign that the body is starting to produce sex hormones.
Tips for Teenage Girls Before the First Menstrual Bleeding
Any first signs that your period will start soon? Then it makes sense to always have a tampon or pad in your bag. If the first menstrual period comes on suddenly at school, a friend or teacher can usually help with hygiene items. The first aid box in the school office usually contains tampons and pads. However, having supplies with you is a comforting element. Don't panic. Bleeding is not an injury. However, it is a normal cleansing process of the body. In addition to the blood during the menstrual period, vaginal secretions and small tissue particles are also excreted. The color can be sometimes light, sometimes dark, sometimes brown - this is completely normal. The amount of bleeding is also different each time. Initial cycles are often very irregular and therefore difficult to predict. It usually takes several months for a balance to settle. After their first period, most girls quickly get used to having their period every month and always carrying a tampon or pad and underwear with them.
Read also:
7 Benefits of Dry Skin Brushing